Toronto Island faces challenging time as lake levels are expected to peak

Sandbags and sump pumps are placed around Lake Ontario in efforts to stop possible flooding.

A car is parked at the Toronto Island near the man-made sandbags. | Lauren Pelley CBC

By: Maria Pardo

City staff are working around the clock to try to ensure that Toronto Island can stay open and safe to the public and residents living in the surrounding areas.

15,000 sandbags along with 30 sump pumps have been put in place in order to halt water rising levels and another 9,000 sandbags will be added later today.

“It’s our commitment to ensure the Island is open and safe,” Councillor Joe Cressy said at a news conference on Ward’s Island Wednesday afternoon.

These efforts are costing the city approximately $100,000 weekly, not including long term capital costs and long term destruction of the existing shoreline.

Lake Ontario is expected to rise in the upcoming days as Ontario is expected to experience strong winds and rainfall starting on Thursday.

James Dann, manager of waterfront parks for the city of Toronto, said winds and rainfall would mainly be "problematic" for Algonquin Island, a small island near Ward's Island.

"Our major concern for next 48 hours will be the residents,” he said.

Despite the city’s efforts to temporarily solve the problem, a long-term comprehensive report is expected on June 21st, which will lead the city towards more effective and sustainable solutions.

Although flood levels are anticipated to come close to near record levels set two years ago when the Island was forced to shut down, officials are determined to make sure the Island stays open.